QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
What is the most common ion charge for phosphorus?
A. + 5
B. + 3
C. - 3
D. - 1
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Answer
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Step 1
The most common ion charges for an element result from losing or gaining electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas. Phosphorus (P) is in the nitrogen group of the periodic table, which includes nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth. \begin{array}{cccccc} \text{Group} & \text{1 (H)} & \text{2 (He)} & \text{13 (N)} & \text{15 (P)} & \text{17 (Cl)} \ \text{Electron configuration} & 1s^1 & 1s^2 & 1s^2\ 2s^2\ 2p^3 & 1s^2\ 2s^2\ 2p^6\ 3s^2\ 3p^3 & 1s^2\ 2s^2\ 2p^6\ 3s^2\ 3p^5 \end{array}
Step 2
To reach the nearest noble gas configuration, phosphorus needs to gain three electrons to achieve the electron configuration of argon (Ar): \begin{align*} \text{Phosphorus (P):} & \quad 1s^2\ 2s^2\ 2p^6\ 3s^2\ 3p^3 \ \text{Argon (Ar):} & \quad 1s^2\ 2s^2\ 2p^6\ 3s^2\ 3p^6 \end{align*}
Final Answer
The most common ion charge for phosphorus is + 3 (option B).
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